ST. CLAIR — Jon Davidson has been considered one of the best running coaches in the area for some time.

Year after year, his St. Clair High School teams and athletes finish among the best in the state. During that same period, Davidson was also contributing in the classroom, teaching at St. Clair Middle School from 1997 until 2004 and later at St. Clair High School from 2004 until 2017.

But the 2016-17 school year was officially his last, as Davidson has recently accepted an offer to retire. He will now focus mainly on his property management company, which involves the ownership of 11 properties.

"My entire goal as an educator was to teach them how to think, not what to think," said Davidson, who taught current events, sociology, psychology and U.S. history classes. "I know it's definitely going to be different not being in the classroom.

"I have to still evaluate if I will continue coaching beyond next year. I want to see how it goes next year."

"Having him as a coach and a teacher, it's kind of cool to see his perspectives," Parr said. "He really encouraged independent thinking and thinking for yourself and having your own ideas.

"It's the same with him as a coach. He is so passionate in everything he does. He is passionate toward teaching and coaching. And it's always all about the kids from athletes to students as well. He wants to see us succeed."

Addis Habtewold and Jon Davidson pose at the St. Clair High School football game Friday night.(Photo: Submitted photo)

As he leaves the classroom, Davidson said he is still encouraged he will be able to impact the next generation of students.

"I'm not ready to give up my connection with young people," Davidson said. "We will see how it goes next year. I'm looking forward to running my business and coaching."

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.